Crematorium

At Burstows, everything we do we do to honour life. This is also
reflected in the care and respect taken when we deal with a loved
one throughout the cremation process.

We always:

abide by Government regulations, including those of the State
Government Health Department

follow our own strict policies, procedures and code of
behaviour

ensure the name plate remains alongside the deceased throughout
the cremation process

ensure cremated remains of an individual are kept together and
not mixed with other cremated remains

In all cases, only one deceased is cremated at a time (unless
there are extenuating circumstances and then only with the approval
and knowledge of the family and in accordance with Health
Department Regulations).

Understanding the Cremation Process

Following the funeral service, the coffin is moved to the
crematorium, located on the grounds of the TS Burstow Funeral
Home.

Once accepted by crematorium staff the coffin remains sealed
throughout the cremation process.

Verification of deceased

Staff verify the identity of the deceased via the name plate on
the coffin, ensuring the details match the 'Application for
Cremation' (the document required by Health Department Regulations
before a cremation can take place) and the two Medical Certificates
or Coroner's Cremation Permit received from the funeral director.
In addition to confirmation of death the medical certificate
indicates if battery powered devices (such as a pace-maker)
have been removed.

Flowers

Flowers remaining with the coffin are cremated with the coffin.
Families should ask their funeral director during the arrangement
process if they wish to retain flowers following the funeral
service.

When will the cremation occur?

The cremation will generally be carried out on the same day as
the funeral service but, in accordance with Health Department
Regulations, can occur up to 48 hours later.
If the cremation is not to occur immediately, the coffin is held
in a temperature controlled holding room.

Preparation for cremation

When cremation is due to occur:

The coffin is transferred onto an insertion trolley

The name plate is removed, and placed alongside the cremator,
for identification throughout the process

The coffin is inserted into the cremator.

In all cases, the coffin and deceased are cremated together.
Cremation begins immediately once the coffin is inserted into the
cremator.

The cremation process

Cremators generally comprise of a main cremating chamber, a
secondary air chamber and a holding chamber.

In accordance with Health Department Regulations, coffins must
be cremated individually, in other words, only one coffin is ever
placed inside the main cremation chamber at any one time. Likewise
there may only be one body per coffin except in special
circumstances which require permission from the Director General of
Health.

At the completion of the main phase of the cremation process the
cremated remains are moved into the holding chamber to finalise the
cremation. Once finalised, the cremated remains are placed into a
cooling container. When cooled, metallic contents (prostheses,
coffin nails etc) are separated from the remains and disposed of in
an appropriate manner.

Cremated remains or ashes

Commonly cremated remains are referred to as 'ashes'. However,
technically there are no ashes, what are left are the fragile
calcified bone fragments.

Ash container

The cremated remains are transferred to a processor to reduce
the bone fragments to a fine granule type consistency which in turn
is placed in a sealed container. the name plate and an identifying
label are attached.

The container accommodates all of the cremated remains. In the
unusual event that an ash container is insufficient to hold all of
the ashes, an extra container is used.

Ash containers are held until instructions are received from the
family or applicant. The ashes are then, subject to Health
Department Regulations, dealt with according to the instruction
given.

Interesting Facts

Over 130 000 people die in Australia each year.

56% of people currently opt for cremation with the number
slowly increasing. In urban area where crematoria are more readily
available the rate approaches 70%.

Cremation is usually not acceptable within Orthodox Judaism,
Islam and Eastern Orthodoxy. However, most Christian denominations
approve cremation, and it is the preferred method among Hindus and
many Buddhists.

The Roman Catholic Church no longer considers there to be a
danger that Christian cremation will be associated with
non-Christian belief, or with a denial of such doctrines as the
resurrection of the body, immortality of the soul, and the
existence of eternal life. The Catholic Church recommends cremated
remains are disposed of in a way that indicates respect for the
body of the deceased person. A memorial in a public place is
favoured so that even in death the deceased person's commitment to
Christianity is still proclaimed.

Once the crematorium has accepted the coffin it may not be
opened.

One person is only ever cremated at a time. The only exception
is in the case of a mother and baby or twin children. It may also
be acceptable for both a mother and baby or twin children to be in
the same coffin. In these instances, approval is sought from the
Health Department.

A cremator is made from refractory (heat resistant) bricks and
fuelled by natural gas.

The coffin is always inserted into the cremator feet
first.

All coffin handles are cremated unless they hinder the
cremation process.

The time taken to cremate will depend on many factors including
body mass, bone density and the materials from which the coffin is
manufactured. The average time for an adult cremation is 90 minutes
at a temperature of between 800 and 1000 degree Celsius.

On average from insertion to final cooling the cremation
process may take up to four hours.